Meet food editor Ralf Joneikies

Both personally and professionally and for the better part of his life, Ralf Joneikies has been preoccupied with food and drink.

He has a formal education in winery operations and holds certifications from the German Wine Institute, the Sake Education Council of Japan and the England-based Wines & Spirits Education Trust.

In Vancouver he acted as general manager and buyer for two private wine, beer, and spirits shops. He also spent years as a monthly on-air contributor to the Just Here for the Beer radio show.

To help you get to better know Ralf, we put a few questions to him to give you an idea of where he's coming from. Just a little something to whet your appetite for what comes next.

What’s your go-to favourite meal?

Anything Authentically Japanese.

What do you look for in a restaurant, what draws you to a place?

It does not necessarily mean “fine dining” but I am always grateful when care is put into every facet of a restaurant experience. Care in the appearance of the dining room, care in how servers attend to their patrons and certainly care in the quality and preparation of the food. Lastly, tradition matters. If I’ve been recommended a Thai restaurant, I really don’t want to see General Tsao’s Chicken on the menu. Or Jalapeño Poppers.

Chardonnay, or Riesling?

As much as I love a proper Chablis, Meursault etc.… in the end, the answer will always be Riesling.